Early Detection Saves Lives – FREE Colorectal Screening Kits Available

Colon-Cancer-AwarenessFranciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City is offering free, take-home colorectal screening kits during March, which is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the nation. If everyone aged 50 or older had regular screenings, as many as 60 percent of deaths could be prevented, hospital officials say.

The fecal occult blood test the hospital is offering is a screening tool used to help identify cancer. If test results are positive, a colonoscopy is recommended.

Testing kits will be available during business hours this month only at the laboratories of the following locations:

  • Franciscan St. Anthony Health, 301 W. Homer St.
  • HealthPartners, 1225 E. Coolspring Ave.
  • Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness, 810 Michael Drive, Chesterton

Completed kits should be returned to Franciscan St. Anthony Health’s laboratory or mailed, using the provided envelope, by April 6.

For more information, call (219) 861-8892.